Associated Press

Hundreds of politicians and their aides are lining up outside the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield to get on the ballot for the primary election in February.

Monday is the first day for candidates to file nominating petitions to qualify for the ballot. Statewide candidates had to submit at least 5,000 valid signatures.

Doors at the Board of Elections opened at 8 a.m. Anyone in line then is entered in a lottery for the chance to be listed first on the ballot in their races.

Republican Kirk Dillard was one of the few candidates for governor to show up personally. Others sent campaign aides, but Dillard says he considers it important to file the petitions himself. He calls it a sign of a candidate’s character.